Holiday Stocking Kits For Artists

ABSTRACT

An artistic stocking including an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted or otherwise decorated. The stocking can also include a pattern printed onto the outer layer, and the pattern can be visible through the paintable surface. The stocking can also include a pattern printed onto the paintable surface. Also, disclosed is a kit including a canvas stocking, having an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted. The paintable surface includes gesso, acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso; and one or more of a color set including paints, a coloring apparatus set including paintbrushes, knives, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, and/or chalk; a color theory poster including a plurality of multi-colored color wheels and a plurality of uncolored color wheels.

FIELD

The following relates to decorative stockings suitable as artwork, andto customizable holiday stocking kits.

BACKGROUND

Stockings have long been used as decorations and to hold small gifts tochildren and loved ones. Such stockings are especially related to theChristmas Holiday. Christmas stockings are available in a variety ofcolors, styles, shapes, and sizes. Customizable stockings, which can bedecorated and personalized by the user, exist, but are plagued by manyproblems. The surfaces of known customizable stockings do not readilyaccept various types of artistic media, such as paint and inks, whichoften smear or run when wet, and crack when dry.

A need exists, therefore, for a customizable holiday stocking. It wouldbe desirable to provide a stocking with a paintable surface that readilyaccepts artistic media and which preserves the integrity of a work ofart created on the surface of the stocking. It would also be desirableto provide a kit containing such a stocking as well as other itemsuseful to facilitate high-quality, artistic decoration thereof.

SUMMARY

One embodiment relates to a stocking comprising an outer layer coatedwith a paintable surface to permit the stocking to be painted. Thepaintable surface can include a component selected from gesso, acrylicgesso, soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof. The outer layer can beconstructed from a material including canvas. The outer layer can definea void accessible via an opening. The stocking can also include an innerlayer, affixed to the outer layer, and lining the void. The stocking canalso include one or more tie straps for hanging the stocking. Thestocking can also include a pattern printed or silk screened onto theouter layer or onto the gesso coating on the outer layer; or the patternmay be woven into the outer layer. If a pattern is under the paintablesurface layer the pattern is visible through the paintable surfacelayer.

In particular it includes an artwork stocking comprising an outer layer,wherein the outer layer has an outer surface, and a gesso coatingcovering at least part of the outer surface. The gesso comprises acomponent selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-basedgesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 10 to 100%,typically 50 to 100% of the outer surface. Typically, the outer layercomprises canvas.

Another embodiment relates to a kit including the above-describedstocking and one or more of a color set, a coloring apparatus set, acolor theory poster, a blank template, and a completed template. Thestocking can include an outer layer coated with a paintable surface topermit the stocking to be painted. The paintable surface can includegesso, acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso. The outer layer can bemade from a material including canvas. The color set can include acrylicpaint, oil paint, water-based paint, pigmented gels, and/or glitter. Thecoloring apparatus set can include paintbrushes, knives, markers, pens,pencils, crayons, and/or chalk. The kit may include a blank template.The blank template can include a pattern corresponding to a patternprinted on the stocking or woven into the stocking. The completedtemplate can include a pattern corresponding to a pattern printed on thestocking and a motif printed on the pattern. The kit can also includeone or more of glue, stickers, iron-on decals, and pre-cut lettering.The kit may include craft paper (collage or decoupage). The kit may alsoinclude suggested motifs on separate pieces of paper. Typically themotifs can be any of a wide number of images, for example, holidaythemes, animals, flowers, people, sports, abstract designs, seasons,e.g., winter, nutcrackers, ginger bread houses. Typically the motif issupplied on a poster enclosed with the kit.

A particular embodiment relates to a kit including a canvas stocking,having an outer layer coated with a paintable surface to permit thestocking to be painted, wherein the paintable surface includes gesso,acrylic gesso, and/or soy-based gesso; and one or more of a color setincluding paints; a coloring apparatus set including paint brushes,spatula, markers, pens, pencils, crayons, and/or chalk; a color theoryposter including a plurality of multi-colored color wheels and aplurality of uncolored color wheels. The color theory poster can includea plurality of multi-colored color wheels and a plurality of uncoloredcolor wheels.

Many other aspects and examples will become apparent from the followingdisclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

To further explain describe various aspects, examples, and inventiveembodiments, the following figures are provided.

FIG. 1A shows a diagram of a stocking;

FIG. 1B shows a diagram of a cross-section of the stocking of FIG. 1simplified to schematically show how layers are attached;

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a color set;

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a coloring apparatus set;

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a color theory poster;

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a stocking;

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a plurality of blank templates;

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a plurality of completed templates;

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a color application set;

FIG. 9 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section of the stocking ofFIG. 1A if made by a first manufacturing method and simplified to haveouter layers and no inner layers; and

FIG. 10 shows a schematic diagram of a cross-section of a modifiedversion of the stocking of FIG. 1A if made by a second manufacturingmethod and simplified to have outer layers and no inner layers.

FIG. 11 shows a modified version of the stocking of FIG. 1B with stripesof gesso on the surface, alternating stripes of gesso with uncoatedareas of canvas

It should be understood that the various embodiments are not limited tothe arrangements and instrumentality shown in the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The functions described as being performed at various components can beperformed at other components, and the various components can becombined and/or separated. Other modifications can also be made.

All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term“about,” whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generallyrefers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would considerequivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function orresult). In many instances, the term “about” may include numbers thatare rounded to the nearest significant figure. Numerical ranges includeall values within the range. For example, a range of from 1 to 10supports, discloses, and includes the range of from 5 to 9. Similarly, arange of at least 10 supports, discloses, and includes the range of atleast 15.

FIG. 1A shows a diagram of a stocking 101 having an outer layer 102 thatcan be coated or provided with at least one paintable surface 103. Thepaintable surface 103 can be transparent, translucent, or have a solidcolor, such as, white. The paintable surface can coat or cover all or apart of the outer layer 102. Stocking 101 can have a front outer layerand a rear outer layer, both of which can be provided with a paintablesurface 103. Outer layer 102 can be constructed of one or more ofcanvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric. Front outer layer and rearouter layer can be unitary or be attached by a seam at their perimeterswhile defining an opening 104 by not being attached at their top edges.

FIG. 1B shows a diagram of a cross-sectional view, along line A shown inFIG. 1A. Referring to FIG. 1B, the outer layer 102 of stocking 101 hasopposed front and rear outer layers, 108, 112, respectively, with frontand rear paintable coatings, 109, 111, respectively. The front outerlayer 108 has the front paintable surface 109 adhering thereto. Frontpaintable surface 109 can be affixed, secured, or applied to front outerlayer 108. For example, gesso is a paintable surface coating 109 appliedto the canvas front outer layer 108 which adheres to the canvas. Frontpaintable surface 109 can be made integral with front outer layer 108 inthe sense that once the gesso is applied the coating adheres to thecanvas outer layer.

Still referring to FIG. 1B, stocking 101 can also have a rear outerlayer 112. Rear outer layer 112 can be secured to front outer layer 108at one or more seams. For example, rear outer layer 112 can be securedto front outer layer 108 at first seam 114 and/or at second seam 116.Rear outer layer 112 can be separate from or integral with front outerlayer 108. Rear outer layer 112 can also have a rear paintable surface111. Rear paintable surface 111 can be affixed, secured, or applied torear outer layer 112. Rear paintable surface 111 can be made integralwith front outer layer 112 in the sense that once the gesso is appliedthe coating adheres to the canvas outer layer.

Traditional artist's canvasses for use in the invention are formed oflinen, cotton, polyester or cotton/polyester mix materials and my all beemployed with the present invention. Linen is particularly suitable forthe use of oil paint. Cotton canvas, often referred to as “cotton duck”,which stretches more fully and has an even, mechanical weave, offers amore economical alternative to linen. The advent of acrylic paint hasgreatly increased the popularity and use of cotton duck canvas. Linenand cotton derive from two entirely different plants, the flax plant andthe cotton plant. As mentioned above polyester or polyester/cottonblends are suitable as canvas. Cotton acrylic blends are also suitableas canvas. Also, other materials such as nylon, silk or polyester aresuitable as canvas for use in the present invention. For example, U.S.Pat. No. 4,720,406 to Dixon discloses a suitable canvas including aflexible substrate material such as open weave nylon, silk or polyester.The substrate has a surface coating of a refined animal glue which formsa translucent glaze as the painting surface. Generally the canvas iswoven fabric.

At least a portion of the paintable surface 103 is coated with one ormore layers of gesso. In the present invention gesso may be any oftraditional gesso, acrylic gesso or soy-based gesso. Typically about 10to 100%, more typically 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to 100%, of the outersurface on at least one side of the stocking is coated with the gesso.Generally, about 10 to 100%, more typically, 50 to 100%, e.g., 90 to100%, of the outer surface of each of the two opposed sides of thestocking is coated with the gesso.

For example, one could apply the gesso as stripes 2 on the surface,alternating stripes of gesso with uncoated areas of canvas as shown instocking 101A of FIG. 11. FIG. 11 shows a modified version of thestocking of FIG. 1B with stripes 2 of gesso on the surface, alternatingstripes of gesso with uncoated areas 3 of canvas.

Gesso is an art supply used as surface preparation or primer forpainting with acrylic or oil paints. Gesso resembles paint but isthinner and dries hard. Typically gesso is applied with a brush and mustdry before the surface can be painted. Gesso makes the surface a littlestiffer and smoother. It also prevents paint from soaking into thesupport (canvas, paper, wood, etc.), and it gives the surface a littlemore texture (called “tooth”), so the paint sticks better.

Preparation varies according to intended use, but usually traditionalgesso is a mixture of animal glue with powdered plaster, chalk (calciumcarbonate), or gypsum. This traditional gesso was equal volumes filleror chalk dust, white pigment either from the powdered chalk or anothermineral such as zinc, and animal-skin, e.g., rabbit skin, glue, whichwere then heated and stirred.

Acrylic gesso which may be employed as one or more layers for thepaintable surface 103 of the canvas is a water-based acrylic gesso.Acrylic gesso is suitable as a primer for oil painting and acrylics.Acrylic gesso is a combination of calcium carbonate with an acrylicpolymer medium latex, a pigment and other chemicals that ensureflexibility, and ensure long archival life. The pigment is usuallytitanium dioxide or titanium white added as a whitening agent, therebyallowing the gesso to remain flexible enough to use on canvas. Suchgesso can provide a permanent and brilliant white substrate. Acrylicgesso retains the absorbent qualities of traditional gesso but is moreflexible, and therefore more easily used on canvas. An example ofacrylic gesso is LIQUITEX gesso, which is an acrylic gesso, used toprepare painting surfaces for acrylic and oil paint. Acrylic gesso canbe sold premixed for both sizing and priming a canvas for painting.

Although originally gesso only came in white, gesso now comes in manycolors. White, black, or colored gesso may be used in the presentinvention. Gesso can be colored during the manufacturing process byreplacing the titanium white with another pigment, such as carbon black,or by the artist directly. For example, the artist can color the gessousing watercolor, acrylic paint, or another coloring agent, to tint thesurface to be painted. Canvases with gesso already applied are availablecommercially. For example, colors can be added to acrylic gesso.

The paintable surface 103 can include one or more layers of soy-basedgesso. Soy-based gesso is a low emitting bio-based gesso made fromrecycled soy content. Soy gesso can be made with bio-based dispersiontechnology that uses a soy ester with a modified soy-vegetable oilacrylic. The surface is similar to acrylic gesso, but is not a solidacrylic. Soy gesso is made using a thin film of a modified acrylic andthe soy ester. The penetration and adhesion of the soy ester to thesubstrate and the thin film of modified acrylic may have advantages increating a surface that allows a physical bond between the gesso and theoil paint. In addition, the thinner modified acrylic film is lessresistant to cracking than a solid acrylic gesso.

Referring again to FIG. 1A, stocking 101 also has an opening 104.Opening 104 allows various objects to be placed within stocking 101.FIG. 1B also shows the opening 104 of stocking 101. Opening 104 canextend through all or a portion of the interior of stocking 101.

The interior of stocking 101 can optionally be provided with an innerlayer 107. Inner layer 107 can be constructed of plastic, silk, cotton,wool, or any other suitable material. Inner layer 107 may be made ofopposed front and pack inner layer portions 110, 113 which may beattached by one or both of seams 115, 117.

The inner layer 107 can be completely attached to the inner walls of thefront outer layer 108 and the rear outer layer 112 to form a laminate.Inner layer 107 can merely be attached to the front outer layer 108 andto rear outer layer 112 about the opening or by the first seam 114and/or the second seam 116. Inner layer 107 can also include on or moreseams. For example, inner layer 107 can have a first seam 115 and/or asecond seam 117. First outer layer seam 114 can be merged or made into asingle seam with first inner layer seam 115. Second outer layer seam 116can be merged or made into a single seam with second inner layer seam117. The seam can typically be formed by thread or by adhesive.

Stocking 101 can also be provided with a first tie strap 105 and asecond tie strap 106 to allow a user to hang the stocking. Instead of orin addition to tie straps one or more loops can be employed. The tiestraps or loops can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl,plastic, paper, and fabric.

Stocking 101 can be from about 1 to 60 inches in length “L”. Forexample, length “L” may typically range from 10 to 18 inches. The length“L” being measured from opening 104 to the heel of the stocking. Opening104 can be a distance of from about 1 to 36 inches long, for example, 5to 12 inches, and can span the width “W” of stocking 101. Width “W” canbe a distance of from about 1 to 36 inches long. The distance “D” fromthe heel to the toe of the stocking can be from about 1 to 48 inches,for example 8 to 18 inches.

A pattern can be applied onto the paintable surface 103 or onto theouter layer 102 (not shown in FIG. 1A or in FIG. 1B, but see an exampleof a pattern on FIG. 5). When the pattern is applied to the outer layer102 or woven into the outer layer, the paintable surface 103 overlayingthe pattern can be translucent to allow the user to see the pattern.

The outer surfaces of the stocking are covered at least in part with agesso to provide a paintable surface. Typically 10 to 100%, moretypically 50 to 100% of at least one the opposed outer layers 108, 112have a gesso coating, 109, 111. More typically 10 to 100%, moretypically 50 to 100% of at each of the opposed outer layers 108, 112have a gesso coating, 109, 111. Unlike shirts and ties hand painted withfabric paint the present invention provides a gesso surface. This gessosurface provides a surface upon which a detailed fine art graphic orimage can be applied with paint or any of a wide variety of mediums. Incontrast, the shirts and ties hand painted with fabric paint do not havesuch a coating and thus they use fabric paint, which is a fast dryingpaint, to try to control bleeding of the paint. However, this does notpermit the control of paint distribution achieved by the gesso layer.

In a first method of manufacturing the art stocking of the presentinvention, the steps include providing front and rear canvas sheets 208,212 (FIG. 9) having a sock-shaped silhouette; overlapping one sheet 208with the other sheet 212; sewing the two overlapping canvas sheetstogether at their perimeters to form a seam 216; and then turning theresulting sewn product inside out to put the seam 216 inside and definean opening 204; and then applying gesso. This generally involvesconstructing the stocking and then applying gesso by hand. Afterapplying gesso by hand then the gesso is typically sanded down to removebubbles and fine lines to create a layer that accepts paint with highdefinition. However, in the alternative, this method can be modified toinvolve constructing the stocking from pre-gessoed (pre-primed) gessocanvas. When using pre-applied gesso canvas as the coated outer layerthe thickness of the gesso coating is selected to avoid cracking whilethe product is turned inside out. When using pre-applied gesso canvas asthe coated outer layer the thickness of the gesso coating is alsoselected to avoid having such a thick layer that it has a shape memorywhich would interfere with the stocking having opposed substantiallyflat surfaces after the product is turned inside out. If desired thegesso can be sprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto thecanvas.

In a second method of manufacture of a stocking 301 (FIG. 10), the frontand rear canvas sheets 308, 312 with a sock-shaped silhouette areoverlapped and attached at their perimeters to form a seam 316; then aborder 318 is attached over the exposed perimeter to cover the exposededges of the sock-shaped canvas sheets. Then the border 318 is attachedby sewing a seam 320. This method generally involves constructing thestocking from pre-gessoed (pre-primed) gesso canvas. However, if desiredthis involves constructing the stocking and then applying gesso by hand.After applying gesso by hand then the gesso is typically sanded down toremove bubbles to create a layer that accepts paint with highdefinition. If desired the gesso can be sprayed onto the canvas orapplied by a brush onto the canvas.

FIG. 2 shows a diagram of a color set 201, which can include a packageor box 202, holding one or more containers 203. The containers 203 cancontain various colors of paint, such as acrylic paint, oil paint,water-based paint, and pigmented gels. The containers 203 can containvarious colors of glitter.

Box 202 can include a sturdy piece of paper, cardboard, or plasticwrapped with a paper, cardboard, or plastic sheath. The one or morecontainers 203 do not need to be provided in box 202.

FIG. 3 shows a diagram of a coloring apparatus set 301, which caninclude a box 302 and one or more color application devices 303. Thecolor application devices 303 can be devices used to apply a colorcontaining substance from the color set 201 to the stocking 101. Forexample, the color application devices 303 can be any of a wide varietyof paintbrushes, spatulas, or popsicle sticks. For example, thepaintbrushes can include one or more ⅝″ flat paint brushes and/or one ormore #6 round paint brushes.

The color application devices 303 can also be devices that alreadycontain or include a color containing substance to be applied to thestocking 101, for example, markers, felt markers, pens, pencils, coloredpencils, crayons, and chalk. Container 302 can include a sturdy piece ofpaper or cardboard wrapped with plastic. The one or more paintbrushes303 do not need to be provided in container 302. Typically the colorapplication devices include devices which apply a colorfast permanentimage, for example, permanent markers and washable paints that arewaterproof after drying.

FIG. 4 shows a diagram of a color theory poster 401, displaying aplurality of multi-colored color wheels 402 and a plurality of uncoloredcolor wheels 403. The color wheels illustrated in FIG. 4 each havetwelve circles, but can include fewer circles or more circles. Forexample, the color wheel can include from 3 to 24 colors. Inmulti-colored color wheels 402, each of the twelve circles displays aunique color. Other shapes can be employed. For example, the colortheory poster 401 can also display color stars and/or color triangles,which can serve the same purpose as a color wheel. A color wheel is avisual representation of colors arranged according to their chromaticrelationship. Primary hues are positioned equidistant from one another.Secondary and tertiary colors are positioned between the primary colors.Line 404 connects complementary colors. Complementary colors are thosecolors located opposite each other on a color wheel. Line 405 connectsanalogous colors. Analogous colors are those colors located closetogether on a color wheel. Lines 406 connect tertiary colors. Tertiarycolors are those colors achieved by a mixture of primary and secondaryhues. Lines 407 connect secondary colors. Secondary colors are thosecolors achieved by a mixture of two primaries. Lines 408 connect primarycolors. Primary colors are; those colors that cannot be created bymixing other colors. Based on the color theory illustrated on theposter, a user can mix paints to arrive at a variety of differentcolors. Mixing of paints can be done on or within uncolored color wheels403. In certain embodiments, instructional materials can be provided toassist the user in understanding color theory. The instructionalmaterials can be a booklet and/or audio and/or visual (AV)presentations. AV presentations can be contained on computer readablemedia such as, for example, DVDs, or CDs. Other embodiments can includea card providing a web address and/or a password to allow the user toobtain instructional materials via the world wide web.

One embodiment is a kit including one or more of stocking 101, color set201, coloring apparatus set 301, and color theory poster 401. The kitcan also include one or more of glue, stickers, iron-on decals, andpre-cut lettering. The pre-cut lettering can be made from any desirablesubstance, for example, fabric, plastic, leather, felt, and paper. Thekit can include a paper, plastic, or cardboard backing, which can bewrapped in a plastic, paper, or cardboard wrapper. The wrapper can besealed with a strip of adhesive.

FIG. 5 shows a diagram of a stocking 501, having an outer layer 502having a paintable surface. Outer layer 502 can be constructed fromcanvas, vinyl, plastic, paper, and fabric. Outer layer 502 can beprovided with a pattern 503. Pattern 503 can be designed to mimic theappearance of a knit stocking. Stocking 501 can have a front outer layerand a rear outer layer, either of which or both of which can be providedwith a pattern 503. Pattern 503 can also include a coded letter ornumber system to allow a user to “paint-by-numbers.” The pattern 503 caninclude a “To:” and “From:” designation to allow the user to give thestocking 501 as a gift and identify the gift giver and receiver.

Stocking 501 can have an opening 504, which provides access to theinterior of the stocking 501. The interior of the stocking 501 can belined with an interior layer. The interior layer can be constructed ofplastic, silk, cotton, wool, or any other suitable material.

Stocking 501 can also be provided with a first tie strap 505 and asecond tie strap 506 to allow a user to hang the stocking. Instead of orin addition to tie straps one or more loops can be employed. The tiestraps or loops can be constructed of one or more of canvas, vinyl,plastic, paper, other fabric.

FIG. 6 shows a diagram of a plurality of blank templates 601. The blanktemplates 601 can have a pattern identical to patter 503 to allow a userto practice coloring a design, motif, or message before coloring thestocking 501. The blank template can include a coded letter or numbersystem to allow a user to “paint-by-numbers.”

FIG. 7 shows a diagram of a plurality of completed templates 701. Thecompleted templates 701 have a pre-colored motif 702, providing arecommendation or a guide to the user. The motif can include originalartwork; a pattern; an image; alphanumerical characters; and charactersfrom literature, mythology, television, movies, and popular culture. Theuser can refer to the motif 702 shown on any or all of the completedtemplates 701 and copy the motif 702 onto the stocking 501. Completedtemplates 701 can include a coded letter or number system to allow auser to “paint-by-numbers.”

FIG. 8 shows a diagram of a color application set 801, including a box802 and one or more color application devices 803. Color applicationdevices 803 can be paintbrushes, markers, felt markers, pens, pencils,colored pencils, crayons, and chalk.

One embodiment is a kit including one or more of stocking 501, blanktemplate 601, completed template 701, and one or more color applicationset 801. The kit can also include one or more of glue, stickers, iron-ondecals, and pre-cut lettering. The pre-cut lettering can be made fromany desirable substance, for example, fabric, plastic, leather, felt,and paper. The kit can include a paper, plastic, or cardboard backing,which can be wrapped in a plastic, paper, or cardboard wrapper. Thewrapper can be sealed with a strip of adhesive.

The above disclosure provides examples and aspects relating to variousembodiments within the scope of claims, appended hereto or later addedin accordance with applicable law. However, these examples are notlimiting as to how any disclosed aspect may be implemented, as those ofordinary skill can apply these disclosures to particular situations in avariety of ways.

Although the present invention has been described in considerable detailwith reference to certain preferred versions thereof, other versions arepossible. Therefore, the spirit and scope of the appended claims shouldnot be limited to the description of the preferred versions containedherein.

The reader's attention is directed to all papers and documents which arefiled concurrently with this specification and which are open to publicinspection with this specification, and the contents of all such papersand documents are incorporated herein by reference.

All the features disclosed in this specification (including anyaccompanying claims, abstract, and drawings) may be replaced byalternative features serving the same, equivalent or similar purpose,unless expressly stated otherwise. Thus, unless expressly statedotherwise, each feature disclosed is one example only of a genericseries of equivalent or similar features.

Any element in a claim that does not explicitly state “means for”performing a specified function, or “step for” performing a specificfunction, is not to be interpreted as a “means” or “step” clause asspecified in 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph. In particular, the use of“step of” in the claims herein is not intended to invoke the provisionsof 35 U.S.C. §112, sixth paragraph.

1. An artwork stocking comprising: an outer layer having an outersurface, wherein the outer layer comprises opposed front and rear outerlayers, the front outer layer having a front outer layer perimeter andthe rear outer layer having a rear outer layer perimeter; and a coatingof gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, wherein the gessocomprises a component selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso,soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 10 to 100%of at least one of the front outer surface and the rear outer surface,wherein at least a portion of the gesso is exposed to provide a surfacefor directly applying to the gesso at least one component selected fromthe group consisting of acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint,pigmented gels.
 2. The stocking according to claim 1, wherein the gessocomprises a component selected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso,soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and the gesso coats 10 to 90of at least one of the front outer surface and the rear outer surface,wherein the coating is made by a process comprising applying the gessoto the outer surface by brushing or spraying, and then sanding theapplied gesso.
 3. The stocking according to claim 1, wherein the outerlayer comprises canvas such that the outer surface of the outer layercomprises canvas, wherein the gesso comprises a component selected fromacrylic gesso and soy-based gesso, and combinations thereof and thegesso coats 10 to 90% of at least one of the front outer surface and therear outer surface.
 4. The stocking according to claim 1, wherein theouter layer defines a void accessible via an opening and the gesso coats10 to 50% of at least one of the front outer surface and the rear outersurface, wherein the gesso comprises soy-based gesso.
 5. The stockingaccording to claim 4, further comprising an inner layer, affixed to theouter layer, and lining the void.
 6. The stocking according to claim 1,further comprising a pattern woven into the outer layer, wherein thepattern is visible through the paintable surface of gesso and the gessois transparent or translucent.
 7. The stocking according to claim 1,further comprising a pattern printed onto the outer layer, wherein thepattern is visible through the paintable surface of gesso and the gessois transparent or translucent.
 8. The stocking according to claim 1,further comprising a silk-screen pattern printed onto the paintablesurface.
 9. The stocking according to claim 1, wherein the outer layercomprises a opposed front and rear outer layers, the front outer layerhaving a front outer layer perimeter and the rear outer layer having arear outer layer perimeter; wherein the gesso comprises a componentselected from traditional gesso, acrylic gesso, soy-based gesso, andcombinations thereof and the gesso coats 50 to 100% of at least one ofthe front outer surface and the rear outer surface.
 10. A kit comprisingthe stocking of claim 1 and one or more of a color set, a coloringapparatus, a blank template, a color theory poster and a completedtemplate.
 11. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the gesso istransparent.
 12. The kit according to claim 10, wherein the outer layercomprises canvas.
 13. The kit according to claim 10, comprising thecolor set, wherein the color set comprises a component selected from thegroup consisting of acrylic paint, oil paint, water-based paint,pigmented gels, and combinations thereof.
 14. The stocking according toclaim 1, the stocking made by a process comprising the steps of:providing a front canvas sheet and a rear canvas sheet, each sheethaving a sock-shaped silhouette; overlapping the front canvas sheet andthe rear canvas sheet; sewing the two overlapping canvas sheets togetherat their perimeters to form a seam to result in a sewn product; and thenturning the resulting sewn product inside out to put the seam inside anddefine an opening; and then applying gesso.
 15. The kit according toclaim 10, wherein the coloring apparatus set comprises a componentselected from the group consisting of paintbrushes, spatulas, markers,pens, pencils, crayons, chalk, and combinations thereof.
 16. Thestocking according to claim 14, wherein the gesso is applied by handbrushing or by spraying; and after applying gesso then the gesso issanded down to create a layer that accepts paint with high definition.17. The stocking according to claim 14, wherein the coating on thestocking consists of the gesso exposed such that paint is applicabledirectly to the gesso.
 18. The kit according to claim 10, wherein thecompleted template comprises a pattern corresponding to a patternprinted on the stocking and a motif printed on the pattern.
 19. Thestocking according to claim 1, further wherein the coating on thestocking consists of the gesso exposed such that paint is applicabledirectly to the gesso.
 20. The stocking according to claim 1, comprisinga canvas stocking having opposed front and rear outer layersrespectively comprising a front canvas sheet with a sock-shapedsilhouette and a rear canvas sheet with a sock-shaped silhouette, eachouter layer having an outer surface, and the coating being a paintablecoating of gesso covering at least part of the outer surface, thestocking made by a process comprising the steps of: overlapping thefront and rear canvas sheets and attaching the front and rear canvassheets at their perimeters to form a seam, then attaching a border overthe exposed perimeter to cover exposed edges of the sock-shaped canvassheets, then attaching the border by sewing a seam, wherein the gesso issprayed onto the canvas or applied by a brush onto the canvas before orafter attaching the front and rear canvas sheets at their perimeters toform a seam.